Dr. B, How much sugar exactly should we limit our 6 year old child to, and how do I keep him out of the pantry?
Debbie B. From Cincinnati
I got many responses from last week’s email, thank you. This is a question I got from several of you.
How Much Sugar Is Okay—And What Do I Do About the Pantry?
For 2 to18-year-olds, the American Heart Association recommends keeping added sugar under 25 grams a day (that’s about 6 teaspoons). That might sound like a lot, but it really isn’t—one juice box or a small sweet snack can use up most or all of that for the day.
The tricky part isn’t just knowing the number—it’s what’s in your home.
If your child keeps going into the pantry for sugary foods, the simplest fix is this: don’t keep a lot of sugary foods in the house. I know that sounds basic, but it works. Kids will eat what’s available. If the pantry has cookies, candy, and sweet snacks, they’ll go for those. If instead it has things like crackers, fruit, or lower-sugar snacks, that’s what they’ll choose.
This doesn’t mean your child can never have sweets. You can still offer them—just on your terms. For example, you might give a small treat after dinner or on certain days, instead of having sweets available all the time.
Also, try to keep a simple routine. Kids do better when they know when snack time is and what to expect. It cuts down on constant asking and sneaking.
And, one more thing: this is often the time when many of us parents realize we need to look at our own habits too. If sugary foods are around for us, they’re around for our kids. And kids notice what we do more than what we say.
So one of the best things you can do—for your child and for yourself—is to keep less sugar in the house overall. Drink water more often. Choose simple foods when you can. You don’t have to be perfect.
You’re not just controlling sugar—you’re teaching your child how to eat for life. And small changes at home can make a big difference.
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